12 hours into a power outage with no end in sight.

[Anonymous]

Heat pack maybe good if you have the water in plastic bags. For large tank, it is not going to work well due to the heat capacity.

 

[Anonymous]

Not knowing how large the tank is, but guessing that it's maybe 100 gallons, I would guess that a full (for retail sale) case of heat packs sealed up in a Ziploc (or Ziplocs) might offer some heat retention. There are other ways of preventing heat loss, too.

 

[DaFrog]

Regarding temperature drops => It seems that sponges have serious issues with low temperatures: i have lost a tree sponge when my tank temperature dropped to 76F thxs to two dead heaters - By the way - Is there a trick to revive/save a tree sponge which top is dying?

 

[Anonymous]

I am far from expert in sponges and sponge care (unless we're talking about kitchen sponges), but I believe that if there are dying parts you can safely cut them away using a clean very sharp straight edge. My impression/experience is that, like tunicates, they are something of the "canary in the coal mine." That is to say that if there are any problems with your parameters, your sponges will be the first indicator. I think that the temp drop issues might be rather specific, considering the various depths at which I've seen what appears to be the same species.

I'll suggest you try searching wetwebmedia, and if you don't find your answer maybe emailing the crew.

Man, TWO dead heaters, at the same time? I usually recommend folks divide up their heating between multiple heaters just in case of a failure (usually one that cooks the specimens).

 

[Anonymous]

i have used a camp stove, as well as a woodstove to heat water during power outtages.

for smaller tanks i would simply put hot water in a jug and float it in the tank. in my 90g i will actually heat the saltwater and reintroduce it slowly.

i think generators are the best though... i always have a self loathing episode when my power goes out during a snow storm and i hve to babysit the tank as opposed to playing outside.

 

[brandonberry]

I bet you could easily rig something up using a beaker, a small pump and a bunsen burner to keep your tank warm as well. That way it could be set up in a way to allow you to go make your snow angels.

 

[trido]

i think generators are the best though... i always have a self loathing episode when my power goes out during a snow storm and i hve to babysit the tank as opposed to playing outside.

How about a generator and a transfer switch? Fire up the Generator, plug it into the house, flip a few swithches, and then go play, or watch TV, or surf the web. All the while knowing your tank (and refrigerator) is running as if nothing is wrong.
Another $500-$1000 isnt too bad of an idea to protect your investment. Its a great piece of mind when you live anywhere that gets snowstorms, wind storms, etc. A stress reducer actually. The scientist keep claiming the weather isnt going to get any less extreme in the future........

 

[rbursek]

I would not rush the temp back up too fast, and maybe leave the MH off to keep activity down and stress in the tank, IMO.
Bob

 

[Anonymous]

i have used a camp stove, as well as a woodstove to heat water during power outtages.

for smaller tanks i would simply put hot water in a jug and float it in the tank. in my 90g i will actually heat the saltwater and reintroduce it slowly.

i think generators are the best though... i always have a self loathing episode when my power goes out during a snow storm and i hve to babysit the tank as opposed to playing outside.

PODMAN! :shock:

 

[Anonymous]

i have used a camp stove, as well as a woodstove to heat water during power outtages.

for smaller tanks i would simply put hot water in a jug and float it in the tank. in my 90g i will actually heat the saltwater and reintroduce it slowly.

i think generators are the best though... i always have a self loathing episode when my power goes out during a snow storm and i hve to babysit the tank as opposed to playing outside.

PODMAN! :shock:

i had a similiar reaction when i saw you here... :lol:

 

[Anonymous]

Not knowing how large the tank is, but guessing that it's maybe 100 gallons, I would guess that a full (for retail sale) case of heat packs sealed up in a Ziploc (or Ziplocs) might offer some heat retention. There are other ways of preventing heat loss, too.

Wait, the same heat packs we use for fish shipping? The ones that require O2 in order for the reaction to take place? Sealing heat packs defeats the reaction and they produce no heat at that point. It's not uncommon for a shipper to put a heat pack in a box, seal the box and have the heat pack only work a partial amount of the time (until all O2 is used up) only to reactivate when the person opens to box at eh other end.

 

[Anonymous]

I didn't know that they use 02, we always sealed them up in a fish bag like we were shown to do. :? :lol:

 

[Anonymous]

2 things will defeat a heat pack, water and lack of O2. While using a bag stops one of those, it causes the other To get even more involved, some brands have certain sides you have to keep exposed in order for them to work. They usually have two red lines across that side with none on the other.